It's no secret that the Island Runaways duo loves exotic islands, places like gorgeous Guadeloupe and far-flung Hydra in Greece. But we also love a different kind of isle altogether, where the vibe is low-key and family friendly. I'm talking about places that aren't necessarily famous for fine rums or vibrant tropical reefs but have their own special kind of beauty, all the same. One of those destinations lies off Bradenton on the central west coast of Florida, and it's calle

Isolated tropical islands are the stuff that vacations, movies and dreams are made of. But one of the best things about living in southern Florida is that you don’t have to board a plane, hit the pillow, or turn to the magic of Tinseltown to have warm white sand beaches all to yourself. You merely need a boat, or in my case a kayak, a paddle, and little will power. (Looking out from isolated Jewel Key. Photo (c) Robert Silk.) Over the dozen or so years of adventures that even

As you know if you've been reading our Lido Key and St. Armand's Circle posts, the Island Runaways duo has been enjoying the gulf coast of Florida this summer, especiallly the barrier islands off Sarasota (south of Tampa). This is not our first island getaway in this mellow section of the Sunshine State: we once lived on one of these pretty isles for a year, and we still have family who live in the area. So, these are islands that we know pretty well, and return to whenever p

Whether you plan to visit Florida or you're a resident of the Sunshine State, the Gulf Coast beaches -- and the barrier islands -- should be on your list of seaside destinations. The Island Runaways are especially fond of the laid-back, low key isles off the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, south of Tampa. In fact, while Zickie and I love discovering new islands, these are destinations that we return to time and time again. One of our favorites? That would be Lido Key and to be

There's no denying the thrill of discovering someplace new and exotic. Whether the island in question is Cuba or Koh Samet off the coast of Thailand, I (Laura) find myself fascinated by tropical getaways filled with adventure and unexpected experiences. On the other hand...sometimes there's nothing as relaxing as crossing a bridge and spending the morning at a familiar beach on a nearby isle. (Walking out to Crandon Beach on Key Biscayne. Photo by Zickie Allgrove.) The Island

When people think “Miami,” nature trails don’t necessarily leap to mind. But one discovery I’ve made? Not only are there some interesting islands just off the city’s coast, Miami also has its hidden pockets of unspoiled island beauty. Yesterday, Zickie, our littlest Island Runaways member, and I enjoyed an amble through one such jewel. (A Tropical Trail in Bill Baggs park. Photo (c) Zickie Allgrove.) You can find Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne, an island t

Do you love beaches crammed with people, overbrimming with beach chairs and umbrellas, with folks jostling to get a patch of sand? Nah, neither do we. The Island Runaways are drawn to beige powdery sand and beautiful ocean because of their power to relax us. And so it makes sense that some of the most soothing beaches we've found are also not filled to the brim with fellow travelers. (An uncrowded beach at Virginia Key; photo (c) Zickie Allgrove) Today, we want to shre one of

Have you ever heard of Siesta Key? Find Sarasota on a map of Florida (south of Tampa), and look for a slim barrier island just off the west coast. Siesta means “nap” in Spanish, and perhaps this long isle resembles a hammock slung from the coast – but spending time on Siesta Key is definitely not a snooze. In fact, the Island Runaways duo like it so much we lived here for a year. We could walk about 15 minutes and arrive at this beach: (Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, Florida; ph

The Island Runaways hope that you've had a good holiday weekend. It's hard to believe it's already December and the 12th month of the year. I am so glad that there are islands where the weather is warm and the skies are clear... Although we love to run away to Caribbean islands, this week we're focusing on a Florida isle in the Gulf of Mexico: Siesta Key. Ready to explore? The Island Runaways will be posting about Siesta Key later this week. Happy Monday, friends! #moreflorid

I'll be the first to admit it: my pulse starts racing at the thought of a plane ticket and an exotic island destination. These days my travel fantasies are tending toward Sri Lanka, Minorca, and Malta. But that doesn't mean that this Island Runaway should neglect islands a whole lot closer to home. Like Lido Key. Off the Gulf Coast of Florida, touched by gentle waves from the Gulf of Mexico, Lido Key is one of the places that we return to, time after time. It's officially pa